Crawling when we can't walk

 

To continue with our John Bunyan theme for this week, I have chosen the above quote (which is in the picture): "Run when I can, walk when I cannot run, and creep when I cannot walk."

The idea within these words is that there are definitely going to be times in our Christian journey when we feel tired or overwhelmed. However, if we move in the power of Christ, we can still move a little further each day. 

Some days we may feel as if we can run and not be hindered at all; other days we may just feel like we can crawl. However, you are feeling at the moment I just encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus.

Isaiah 40:31 - "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Looking for answers

It is interesting that we often assume we are the only generation to be facing unique difficulties. When you read this next quote, note how these words could apply to us in 2022, yet they were written 350 years ago.

"The reason why the Christians in this day are at such a loss as to some things is that they are contented with what comes from man's mouth, without searching and kneeling before God to know of Him the truth of things." - John Bunyan

Of course, what comes out of "man's mouth" today is spread far and wide via the internet as well. The great challenge for each one of us is to kneel before God, especially when we are troubled about certain things.

1 Chronicles 16:11 - Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Proverbs 28:5 - Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Words that have no heart

There can be nothing worse that listening to someone speak about a really important issue, but realising that they don't really care about the particular issue. Politicians are especially good at doing this - but, then again, we may not be so innocent either. Our times of prayer can so easily become moments of 'religious repetition', unless we carefully monitor the movement of our heart. Do our hearts really believe in what we are praying/saying?

It is noticeable that John Bunyan wrote a lot about prayer, and this is most likely because he was a man of prayer himself.

 “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. ”

“Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.”

“Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.”

Matthew 6:7 - “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.

Thought: Have you recently been tempted to speak without truly meaning the words?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Running from God

“He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day.” ― John Bunyan 

I have found this sentiment to be so true in my personal experience. Bunyan advocates for spending time with the Lord in the mornings, before the day gets too hectic and the demands of life weigh us down. 

I know that it is not always practical for some people, especially when there are children in the household. However, the overriding principle of spending 'some' time with the Lord during the day is crucial and as long as we do it, then we will feel connected with our Lord. 

Psalm 5:3 - In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

What time of the day do you find best to sit quietly with the Lord? 

Closing thought: It is a worthwhile practise to offer God the day before it unfolds.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Pray and read - read and Pray!

 

John Bunyan is famously known as the author of The Pilgrim's Progress, a book that allegorically tells the story of a person's journey of faith. According to some sources, Bunyan's work (printed in 1678) has never been out of print and has influenced writers, scholars and believers for 350 years. 

Bunyan has numerous quotes that speak into my life, but this one caught my attention as it speaks of the unique combination of prayer and reading. I have been fortunate to have had a chance to read a few books whilst on leave and many of them have been catalysts to prayer. It is remarkable how a good book, and especially the Scriptures, can prompt us to speak to God.

What books inspire you to prayer a little more?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Pray from your heart

“When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart.” - John Bunyan

It is far better to come to prayer with no words and a heart ready to be with God, than to come with eloquent words and no desire to be in the presence of God. I think God would much prefer to "listen" to our hearts cry and be bored by our fancy words and perfect grammar.

What do you think?

Action: Pour out your heart to Jesus today. Don't worry about what it sounds like.
 
Living in Grace
D3LM3

Contentment poem

"He that is down needs fear no fall;
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble, ever shall
Have God to be his guide.
I am content with what I have,
Little be it, or much;
And, Lord, contentment still I crave,
Because Thou savest such." - John Bunyan, quoted in Anthology of Jesus.

Job 36:11 -  If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.

 Proverbs 19:23 - "The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble."

Are you content today? Why or why not?
Can you be honest enough to pinpoint what it is that is messing with your contentment?
Is it the choices we have made recently?

Living in Grace
D3LM3